Sarjis alleges secret deal between BNP, AL over release of accused

Northern region Chief Coordinator of National Citizen Party (NCP) Sarjis Alam on Sunday alleged that an “unwritten understanding” between the ruling BNP and the ousted Awami League (AL) is enabling individuals accused in violence linked to the July Uprising to secure bail and move freely.

He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion with families of July martyrs and injured participants of the uprising, organised by the 11-party opposition alliance at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.

Sarjis claimed that this alleged arrangement also influenced the government’s decision to allow several reform-related ordinances to expire.

According to him, political compromises between major parties have undermined key institutional reforms.

He further said BNP had come to power with support from Awami League voters and suggested that communication between the two sides continues even now, citing comments reportedly made by AL leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from abroad.

The NCP leader alleged that many individuals accused of attacking protesters during the July Uprising and involved in killing incidents are now being released on bail.

He claimed that some of them are openly returning to their local areas and issuing threats to victims and injured activists.

Sarjis also criticised the government for allowing what he called more important ordinances to lapse compared to those that were passed.

He referred to reforms related to the Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission, judicial independence, and laws concerning enforced disappearances.

He argued that although BNP leaders had previously demanded institutional independence and reform, their stance had changed after assuming power.

Warning the ruling party, he said attempts to suppress opposition voices would ultimately backfire.

He also urged that martyrs’ families and injured protesters not be divided or influenced by political incentives.

Sarjis stressed that their loyalty should remain with the ideals for which their relatives sacrificed their lives, rather than aligning with any political party.